Female Lead won't get Prince Charming

Chapter 17

"The Grand Duke will conduct a quick confab with the emperor."

I heard that from Anne. Numerous numbers of maids and butlers ran around hectically inside the busy mansion tending to their designated work.

"I wish to visit the emperor.", I requested the Grand Duke with a polite bow.

"Why?" Unlike his shocked expression, his tone was quite calm.

"I have a proposal, that's why I wish to have an audience with him." This is an obvious lie. In the novel it was only Ethan and the Duke who went to visit the emperor. The event wasn't described in detail because at the end, the Crown Prince was only an insignificant character as he died in the war. The Mighty Emperor was also a nobody; he was described as sick and old. When I read this part, it sounded more like a missing piece in a puzzle. I want to witness their shape with my own eyes.

"A Proposal?", the duke questioned back.

"Yes. To warrant commoners well being." The proposal is just an excuse.

"Can you speak about it in more detail?"

"I think I can suggest a luminary solution to prevent the alarming famine which might befall in coming ten years." I haven't forgotten that the person in front of me can concoct the form of a ravaging lion. Therefore, I have to make a credible excuse.

"You have a solution for that?"

"Yes, your grace."

"That's incredible! You are allowed to do so." The Grand Duke knows how to gauge profits; especially the ones which would bring him immense benefits. By weighing the pros and cons, he could justifiably tell that if my proposal is a success, then it would raise his praise in public.

The Imperial Palace was magically ornate, everything looked mystical. It was surrounded by turrets and minarets and was lavishly gorgeous. I came along with the Grand Duke and Ethan. There was an awkward silence in the carriage with the exception of Grand Duke repeatedly reminding me to rigidly follow the etiquettes of a noble lady in front of his majesty. Putting it aside, I was more focused on the fact that the carriage prepared by Grand Duke smelled like money!- comfortable, elaborately decorated and cosy.

We made our way towards the imperial garden where the Emperor and his son, the Crown Prince was waiting. The Emperor was sitting with a proud posture and his physique emitted confidence and an authoritative aura that could only come from the ruler who controlled the empire. Sitting beside him was a young titan-haired boy; maybe he was a year older than Ethan.

"Thank you for your invitation, I'm honored to see the Sun of the Empire, Your Majesty."

"Come on in, my beloved friend, Duke and Norman Ethan. Who is she?"

"She is presently residing in our estate. I brought her in Norman Rose's stead." The Duke made an excuse for bringing me along with him.

"I see!" The grey-haired Emperor chortled.

"It's an honour to be his Majesty's audience." I said, respectfully.

"Yes, yes. Everybody take a seat. My! Why didn't I notice, she looks like the late Duchess?"

"Indeed she does.", the Grand Duke replied.

"She is a perfect mini-version. I remember, I had met her when she was young and who knew she would grow up to be a brilliant mage! It's sad we lost her, it's a loss of a glory of this empire."

Now, I realise how badly I resemble Ethan's mother. I bear a resemblance with her to the point that even an outsider could decipher if not. I picked up a tea cup absentmindedly and was about to sip when the Grand Duke coughed politely. I was startled, "I am so sorry," and put it down.